Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an important public health problem in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that each year more than 500 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 2,000 commit suicide by intentionally poisoning themselves.

In Missouri, there were a total of 212 reported fatal carbon monoxide poisoning cases in the years 2001- 2007. Carbon Monoxide Poisonings, Missouri 2001-2007. Of those 212 deaths, 107 (50%) were suicides.  There were 94 (44%) accidental deaths, 1 (0.5%) homicide, and 10 (5%) deaths where the manner was unknown. Carbon Monoxide Poisonings by Manner of Death, Missouri 2001-2007.Accidental carbon monoxide poisonings and deaths are more likely to occur in the colder months of the year.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services defines carbon monoxide poisoning as a carboxyhemoglobin level of >15% (although lower levels can cause symptoms and illness) or a death certificate stating carbon monoxide as the underlying or a contributing cause of death. In Missouri, health care providers and laboratories are mandated to report carbon monoxide poisonings and carboxyhemoglobin laboratory results to their local or state public health department. The Department issues a news release each fall alerting the public to the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas.  Poisoning occurs from the inhalation of carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide is produced by:

• automobile engine exhaust
• portable propane heaters
•  natural gas appliances, furnaces, water heaters
• wood-burning fireplaces
• barbecues

If an individual has inhaled carbon monoxide, move the person into fresh air and ventilate the area.  Call an ambulance.  If the individual has stopped breathing, artificial breathing, such as CPR, needs to be performed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• headache
• irritability
• confusion
• dizziness
• poor coordination
• unconciousness
• shortness of breath
• lack of breathing
• chest pain
• nausea and vomiting
• abnormal heartbeat
• coma

The exposure levels of carbon monoxide influence the recovery and the damage done to an individual.  Mental abilities can be impaired and permanent brain damage can occur.

Knowledge is the first step to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be detected in the home by installing carbon monoxide alarms. 
Other precautions are to assure:

• All fuel-burning appliances are correctly used and maintained
• Furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are inspected every year
• Fireplace chimneys and flues are inspected and cleaned every year
• Automobile exhaust systems are regularly checked for defects

Please contact your doctor, local health department or the Department of Health and Senior Services (866-628-9891) if you have questions about carbon monoxide poisoning.

Missouri conducts on-going statewide surveillance for carbon monoxide poisonings. Health care providers are required to report cases to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Click here to report a case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Note:  The actual number of Missourians suffering carbon monoxide poisoning is unknown due to gaps in case reporting, particularly of poisoning cases not resulting in death.